As for Harry Winks, Mauricio added: “It was a fantastic performance and I’m so happy to see him again in that condition, he’s a great character and it’s so important for the team that he starts to feel 100% again.”

Mauricio underlined beforehand how important it was to follow up our first Group H win against Borussia Dortmund with another in this tough test at the GSP Stadium.

APOEL certainly pushed us all the way and struck the crossbar before Kane clinically finished from Toby Alderweireld’s pass just before half-time.

The striker completed his treble with two goals in five minutes to give us breathing space but APOEL kept coming and Hugo Lloris was forced into a couple of fine saves.

“It’s always so tough to play in the Champions League, the conditions weren’t the best and APOEL had motivation as well so it made it a difficult game.

“It was an important result, a must-win game and we were clinical. Not only do you have to play well but you have to be clinical as well.

“We can look forward now, six points and it’s true there is still a long way to go but to start with two victories is so important for us and now we have to focus on the game at Huddersfield on Saturday because that will be tough as well.”